Organisers looking into distressing marathon scenes

Callum Hawkins of Scotland collapses during the men's marathon at the Commonwealth Games.Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

There are no "major concerns" for the health of Scotland marathon runner Callum Hawkins after he collapsed while leading the men's marathon on the final day of the Commonwealth Games.

There are reports spectators rushed to help Hawkins in lieu of professional assistance but that they were told to stand back, raising concerns as to whether there were adequate medical services stationed along the course.

Team Scotland confirmed Hawkins had been taken to hospital for evaluation after he collapsed just two kilometers from the finish of the marathon on the Gold Coast on Sunday morning. Hawkins was able to get back to his feet but was on wobbly legs, his race over a short while later when he crashed into a railing.

"Callum has been taken to hospital for medical review following his collapse in the marathon as is standard procedure," a Team Scotland statement read. "He is being supported by Team Scotland medical staff and there are no major concerns at this stage. More information will be issued in due course."

Hawkins has since been discharged from Gold Coast University Hospital after an overnight stay ahead of Team Scotland's return to the UK.

The temperature soared to near 30 degrees mid-morning on Sunday, taking a huge toll on the men's marathon competitors. Earlier, the wheelchair and women's marathon had also been run in warm conditions.

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With Hawkins down, Australian Michael Shelley moved beyond the Scot to go on and take gold and defend his title from Glasgow despite being in some difficulty himself.

"I wasn't sure what was going on, I had a couple of mates around Main Beach who said Callum was in a bit of trouble," Shelley said. "They told me to keep going and gave me encouragement.

"I saw him (Callum) on the Sundale Bridge and thought 'Oh s---' and just tried to hang on. When I was coming down the home straight I tried to accelerate but I was just gone. I'm glad to be finished to be honest.

"I thought hopefully I can get to the finish line because I was starting to get cramps in my hands."

Team Australia Chef de Mission and former Commonwealth Games marathon champion Steve Monaghetti said he knew Sunday's races were going to be tough.

"When you start a marathon, your first challenge is to overcome the event," he said. "The event can come back to bite you on the bum. Marathons are tough and today I knew the conditions were hot and it was going to be brutal.

"You never want to see anything like that (Hawkins' collapse). I'm sure he's up and about. Hopefully he will be bouncing back and running good marathons soon."

GOLDOC CEO Mark Peters confirmed an investigation was underway.

"We need to check the facts out...obviously the health of the athlete is absolute prime," he said.

"Sometimes medical people arrive and the athlete has to make a decision as to whether they want to go on or not. I understand that was part of a discussion at a point in time, because incredibly athletes in whatever state they are want to finish," he said.